Have you ever found yourself craving a frozen slushie version of your favorite drink? Especially in warmer weather, ICEE, one of the most famous inventions from Kansas, inventions from Kansas, is almost always nearby and ready to serve you sweet, cool goodness. However, many aren’t aware that Icee and slushy machines were invented right here in Kansas! Come along with us and we’ll give you a little taste of this favorite Sunflower State treat!

Icee got its start in Omar Knedlik's Dairy Queen store where one hardworking man wanted to keep his sodas cool.
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This was in small town Coffeyville, Kansas, which is now the home of a worldwide sensational invention.
According to the legend, during a particularly hot part of the summer... .
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... his sodas were too hot to sell so he put them in the freezer to stay cold for his customers.
They almost froze, but stayed at a perfect temperature that, when opened, they became almost a slush consistency.
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In the process, they became the best drink around during those hot Kansas summer days. Meanwhile, his mind went to work on how to mass produce this special slush.

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Being an inventive type of person anyways, Omar went to work to create a machine that kept his drinks at that perfect temperature for his customers, who were all too eager to keep buying the almost-frozen drinks.
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After taking it to a company in Texas to refine it and make more to sell., he received so many requests that they were sure the product was a success.
Another local, Ruth Taylor, was a close friend of Omar and drew up the classic block letter logo with icicles emphasizing just how cold their drinks make you feel.
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It has remained the symbol for all Icee products ever since.
Today, you can see this iconic logo almost anywhere, from your local grocery store to fairtime kiosks.
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It is amazing to see how far this Kansas drink creation traveled from the thoughts of a Kansan to this worldwide sensation selling hundreds of millions of drinks every year.
Though it has since expanded to many flavors and combinations...
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...the original three will always be Coke, cherry, and blue raspberry. Which one is your favorite?

Now, if someone were to ask you, “Where did ICEE originate?” you’ll know what to tell them!

Have you ever tried an ICEE? If so, what was your favorite flavors? What other foods from Kansas are your favorites? Are you aware of any other inventions from Kansas?  We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

If you’d like to learn more about Coffeyville, check out this historic event that still brings the town together for reenactments to this day! Do you have a fun place in mind you’d like to share with us? Submit it on our “Tell us about your favorite places in Kansas” page and we’ll take a look!

If you’re traveling through Kansas and want to stop for a night on your way to Coffeyville in Wichita, be sure to consider the Courtyard by Marriott Wichita at Old Town.

If you’re still in the mood for more Sunflower State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More To Love About Kansas

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | December 14, 2023

Where can we find water parks in Kansas?

  • Schlitterbahn in Kansas City (yes, Kansas City, KS) features water coasters, pools, and what they call the world's longest "tidal wave" river.
  • The Rock River Rapids Aquatic Center in Derby has a pool, water slides, some really unique play structures, and more.
  • Garden Rapids at the Big Pool in Garden City has been a community staple since 1922 and is geared more towards young children.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun water parks in Kansas.

Where can we find the best barbecue restaurants in Kansas?

  • Woodyard Bar-B-Que in Kansas City (yes, on the Kansas side of the state line!) has been an area favorite for over 55 years.
  • Julius Rib Cage in Wichita is one of the oldest barbecue places in Wichita and known for their ribs.
  • Trinity Smokehouse BBQ in Pratt is known for their pulled pork, in addition to other items.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other outstanding barbecue restaurants in Kansas.

What are some fun facts about Kansas?

  • Dodge City, which sits out in the Plains, is windier than Chicago.
  • Wichita is home to the largest grain elevator in the world.
  • The world's largest hand-dug well is in the town of Greensburg.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about Kansas.

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Coffeyville, KS 67337, USA